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He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
{
Reminder that
GOD IS THE ONE who ultimately provided His own Son!
}
GENESIS 22:2 ESV
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JULY 2015
{ } He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” GENESIS 22:2 ESV
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2015 Memory Focus FROM GENESIS (ESV)
JANUARY In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
FEBRUARY So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27
MARCH And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28
APRIL The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
MAY “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonours you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3
JUNE “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25
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JULY He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:2
AUGUST “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that You have shown to Your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.” Genesis 32:10
SEPTEMBER And there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. Genesis 35:7
OCTOBER “He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
NOVEMBER The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Genesis 49:10
DECEMBER As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20
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Foreword
6 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
BY SENIOR PASTORS
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2015
marks our Jubilee Year as a nation. God is the ultimate reason for Singapore’s 50 years of peace and prosperity, safety and security, shalom and success. Indeed God alone deserves all praise, honour and thanksgiving for all the blessings from above! Jubilee has been called a super-Sabbath. God is looking for devoted disciples who flee from clamour, hurry and crowds and cultivate the habit of abiding in God’s Word, delighting in God’s will and walking in God’s way. Those who are intentional about a stronger foundation, a closer walk and a deeper life. Those who are tired of their hit-and-run, hide-and-seek, touch-and-go relationship with Him. This Jubilee Year, will you intentionally and zealously commit yourself to be among the first fruits of this new Jubilee generation by scheduling personal time alone with God?
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Psalm 1:2-3 speaks of the blessed person as one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers”. The Psalmist finds great joy in relating to the Word of God... He meditates upon the Word when day comes and when night falls… Far beyond outward prosperity, the Psalmist desires the inward prosperity of his soul... We invite you to take this year to grow deeper in faith and in His Word. Deal decisively with distractions in your life. Cut yourself off from habits and modern gadgets that displace communion with God. Fast from social media. Overhaul your schedule. Remove activities that desensitise you to the gentle promptings of the Spirit. There is a dailyness in discipleship – soaking daily in His Word, applying His truth, reaping the fruits and passing them on. Some years ago when Jerry Bridges was in Singapore, he talked about encountering God daily in the Word and especially the Gospel. When asked what it was like, Jerry said, “God always shows up.” What an assurance! This Jubilee Year 2015, draw near to Him. Linger in His presence. Allow Him to refresh you, renew you and restore you – a people prepared for the Day of His Visitation.
Jesus is Our Jubilee!
God is looking for devoted disciples who flee from clamour, hurry and crowds and cultivate the habit of abiding in God’s Word, delighting in God’s will and walking in God’s way.
Ps Tony Yeo and Ps Tan Kay Kiong
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Guide to Using This
Devotional Journal
1
Prepare your heart in God’s presence ■ Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. ■ Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down. ■ Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided.) ■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him. The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version unless otherwise specified.
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Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit ■ Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you.
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■ Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You can use the guiding questions provided. What’s New in 2015?
A “Deeper Reflection” section has been introduced to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly.
■ Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone. ■ Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer. What’s New in 2015?
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• Suggested prayers are included twice weekly to serve as an aid to those who may find them helpful in their prayer response. • On Sundays, you may want to meditate on the Psalms, the Gospel or the Scripture passage of the sermon. This may be followed by reviewing and reflecting on the past week and then responding in prayer. Examining your life is essential in your faith journey as a redeemed disciple of Christ.
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July/Aug
2015
Worship Songs
I NEED THEE Verse I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford Chorus I need Thee, O I need Thee Every hour I need Thee O bless me now my Saviour I come to Thee Verse I need Thee every hour Stay Thou nearby Temptations lose their pow’r When Thou art nigh Verse I need Thee every hour In joy or pain Come quickly and abide Or life is vain Verse I need Thee every hour Most Holy One O make me Thine indeed Thou blessed Son Words & Music: Annie Sherwood Hawks | Robert Lowry Year & Publisher: © Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain CCLI License # 324618
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HOLY SPIRIT Verse Holy Spirit, living Breath of God Breathe new life into my willing soul Let the presence of the risen Lord Come renew my heart and make me whole Cause Your Word to come alive in me Give me faith for what I cannot see Give me passion for Your purity Holy Spirit breathe new life in me Verse Holy Spirit come abide within May Your joy be seen in all I do Love enough to cover ev’ry sin In each thought and deed and attitude Kindness to the greatest and the least Gentleness that sows the path of peace Turn my strivings into works of grace Breath of God, show Christ in all I do Verse Holy Spirit from creation’s birth Giving life to all that God has made Show Your power once again on earth Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways Let the fragrance of our pray’rs arise Lead us on the road of sacrifice That in unity the face of Christ May be clear for all the world to see Words & Music: Keith Getty | Stuart Townend Year & Publisher: © 2006 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI License # 324618
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HEAL OUR LAND Verse If My people will humble themselves Humble themselves and pray If they seek My face and humble themselves And turn from their wicked ways I will hear from heaven And forgive their sin I will hear from heaven And heal their land Chorus Lord heal our land Father heal our land Hear our cry And turn our nation back to You Lord heal our land Hear us O Lord and heal our land Forgive our sin And heal our broken land Verse Lord we bow our knee we humble ourselves Humble ourselves and pray Lord we seek Your face We humble ourselves And turn from our wicked ways Father in Your mercy forgive our sin Father in Your mercy come heal our land Words & Music: Robin Brooks | Tom Brooks Year & Publisher: © 1988 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI License # 324618
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WHOM SHALL I FEAR Verse You hear me when I call You are my morning song Though darkness fills the night It cannot hide the light Whom shall I fear You crush the enemy underneath my feet You are my sword and shield Though troubles linger still Whom shall I fear Chorus I know Who goes before me I know Who stands behind The God of angel armies is always by my side The One who reigns forever He is a friend of mine The God of angel armies is always by my side Verse My strength is in Your name For You alone can save You will deliver me Yours is the victory Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear (Whom shall I fear) Bridge (And) nothing formed against me shall stand You hold the whole world in Your hands I’m holding on to Your promises You are faithful, You are faithful Words & Music: Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash Year & Publisher: © 2012 Alletrop Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)); McTyeire Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)); A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License # 324618
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OUR GOD Verse Water You turned into wine Opened the eyes of the blind There’s no one like You None like You Into the darkness You shine Out of the ashes we rise There’s no one like You None like You Chorus Our God is greater Our God is stronger God You are higher than any other Our God is healer Awesome in power, our God, our God Bridge And if our God is for us Then who could ever stop us And if our God is with us Then what could stand against And if our God is for us Then who could ever stop us And if our God is with us Then what could stand against (Then) what could stand against Words & Music: Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman Year & Pubsliher: © 2010 Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); SHOUT! Music Publishing CCLI License # 324618
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LET YOUR GLORY FALL Verse Father of creation Unfold Your sov’reign plan Raise up a chosen generation That will march through the land All of creation is longing For Your unveiling of pow’r Would You release Your anointing Oh God let this be the hour Chorus Let Your glory fall in this room Let it go forth from here to the nations Let Your fragrance rest in this place As we gather to seek Your face Verse Ruler of the nations The world has yet to see The full release of Your promise The church in victory Turn to us Lord and touch us Make us strong in Your might Overcome our weakness That we could stand up and fight Bridge Let Your kingdom come (Let Your kingdom come) Let Your will be done (Let Your will be done) Let us see on earth (Let us see on earth) The glory of Your Son Words & Music: David Ruis Year & Publisher: © 1992 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by K I Publishing) CCLI License # 324618
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PREPARE THE WAY Verse He has come To bring light into the darkness He has come To bring freedom to the captives He has come To restore the brokenhearted It’s time to proclaim The year of the Lord Chorus Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Redeemer Prepare the way (prepare the way) Prepare the way for our Restorer Make ready your heart Make ready your home Make ready the people of God Prepare the way Verse He has come To bring hope to the hopeless He has come To comfort all who mourn He has come To heal our ev’ry sickness It’s time to proclaim The year of the Lord Words & Music: Darrell Evans | Eric Nuzum Year & Publisher: © 1999 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI License # 324618
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HEAR OUR PRAISES Verse May our homes be filled with dancing May our streets be filled with joy May injustice bow to Jesus As the people turn and pray Chorus From the mountain to the valley Hear our praises rise to You From the heavens to the nations Hear our singing fill the air Verse May our light shine in the darkness As we walk before the cross May Your glory fill the whole earth As the water over the seas Bridge Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Words & Music: Reuben Morgan Year & Publisher: Š 1998 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI License # 324618
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IN CHRIST ALONE Verse In Christ alone will I glory Though I could pride myself in battles won For I’ve been blessed beyond measure And by His strength alone I overcome Oh I could stop and count successes Like diamonds in my hand But those trophies could not equal To the grace by which I stand Chorus In Christ alone I place my trust And find my glory in the power of the cross In ev’ry victory let it be said of me My source of strength my source of hope Is Christ alone Verse In Christ alone will I glory For only by His grace I am redeemed Only His tender mercy Could reach beyond my weakness to my need Now I seek no greater honour Than just to know Him more And to count my gains But losses to the glory of my Lord Words & Music: Don Koch | Shawn Craig Year & Publisher: © 1990 New Spring (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618
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Notes
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The
Church Beyond FOCUS OF THE MONTH:
URBAN MISSIONS - REACHING CHILDREN IN THE SLUM COMMUNITIES OF MANILA
U
rban Missions aims to reach the urban poor in gateway cities through a compassionate ministry that shares the love and life of our Lord Jesus. In 2013, we started a partnership with Care
Channels International (CCI), an organisation who
reaches out to some 80 slum communities in the Philippines through a network of local churches and non-government organisations (NGOs). We have begun building relationships with the pastors and leaders of six of these slum churches in Quezon City. The Lord prompted us to set up children’s libraries in these churches, and by divine appointment, we were led to a huge resource of children books. Subsequently, over 1,200 children books were shipped to these churches in early 2014. We thank God for guiding us and providing for the needy children with a long-term view to help them escape poverty in baby steps by encouraging reading and inspiring learning through books. We sensed God’s prompting to import the Steady Readers programme into the Philippines. Over the last half a year, God has shown confirmation through affirmation by the local Manila church leaders and provided the financial resource to purchase the programme materials through an unchurched believer who wished to support education for the urban poor children! Apart from setting up libraries and reading programmes, we have also had the privilege of bringing joy to disadvantaged children via the feeding programme, the sharing of craftwork with Sunday School teachers, home visits to pray for families of sponsored pupils (scholarship programme) and IT training for local trainers. Doors were opened for the sharing of the Gospel and a number of children
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and mothers responded to the invitation and prayed to receive Christ as their Saviour. One of the concerns of the slum churches is the means to reach out to youths in the communities, and they have identified computer access stations as being good outreach platforms. We are currently in the midst of working on the purchase of refurbished computers to set up IT stations in the churches. These will serve the communities as self-sustaining IT Service Stations where users will pay a minimal fee for printing, research work and other tasks. We are trusting God for the realisation of this vision as a bridge to reach out to youths in these slums who would otherwise remain unreachable.
PRAY ■ We thank God for providing a skilled IT team to oversee the set up of the computer stations. Pray with us that the IT resource will be an effective avenue to reach out to the youths in the slum communities, and that the local church leaders will be faithful stewards of this resource.
■ Pray that those who have responded to be trained teachers for Steady Readers will be committed to imparting their learned skills to the local volunteers in Manila so that they can independently run the literacy programme for the slum children in their communities.
■ Pray that in the years to follow, many of these children will benefit from this pilot programme and can look forward to better lives through the little steps we are making in support of education, as the Lord leads.
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.” JOHN 12:26
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July 1 Wednesday
2015
“That You Will Know What Is…”
Scripture Ephesians 1:18-23
Observation What does God want us to know from Paul’s prayer for the Church in verses 18 to 23?
Deeper Reflection We must not overlook Paul’s emphasis on knowledge in his prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23: “in the knowledge of Him” (v. 17); “so that you will know what is” (v. 18). “Growth in knowledge is indispensable to growth in holiness. Indeed, knowledge and holiness are even more intimately linked than as means and end.”1 Spiritual wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment (vv. 17-18) are indispensably necessary for such knowledge. What are we to know? Know the person of God (v. 17). Know our prospect in God: “the hope of His calling” (v. 18). It is the hope of sharing our loving God’s glory, which does not disappoint, by which we endure sufferings (Ro 5:1-5). Know our preciousness to God: “His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance” (v. 18, NLT). Thus, God says to us, “Anyone who harms you harms My most precious possession” (Zec 2:8, NLT). Know the power of God: “His incomparably great power for us who believe” (vv. 19-23, NIV) – Christ’s resurrection (v. 20a) and reigning power (vv. 20b-22), Thus, we can be faithful to Jesus, “the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life”, until death in whatever tribulation we suffer (Rev 2:8-10).
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Application What does it mean to me personally to know what Paul asks of God in Ephesians 1:18-23?
1
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
John Stott, The Message of Ephesians, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1979), 54
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July 2 Thursday
2015
Unity under the Lordship of Christ
Scripture Ephesians 3:14-17
Observation What is Paul asking God for in his prayer in verses 14 to 17?
Deeper Reflection The background of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:1-21 is the unity of the Church (Eph 2:11-22). It is in reconciling sinners to Himself in Christ (Eph 2:1-10) that God brings about reconciliation among sinners (Eph 2:11-22) and makes them “the family God loves and the temple He lives in”2 (Eph 2:19-22). Christ “Himself is our peace”, making redeemed sinners into “one new humanity…thus making peace”, reconciling them “in one body to God through the cross” (Eph 2:14-16). And “For this reason” (Eph 3:1, 14), referring to Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul prays for the Church. Paul prays for the innermost being of every member of the Church to be empowered by God’s Spirit according to the riches of His glory (v. 16). The result is “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (v. 17a) – “the ruling presence of Christ”3. Christ dwells in our hearts “not to cheer and soothe alone but before all things else to reign.”4 Christ’s ruling presence in us must continue and increase. The effect of Christ’s lordship presence in us is us “being rooted and established in love” (v. 17b, NIV). Love is the ultimate key to the unity of the Church. Love will be there when Jesus is Lord of His Church.
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Application How is Christ’s ruling presence apparent in my own life?
through the Holy Spirit, so that
Gi vin g
Christ will continually and increasingly
lf Se
body of Christ with inner strength
nee d
will empower every member of the
Tho se in
Your glorious, unlimited resources You
Leaders
Father of glory, I pray that according to
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
dwell in our hearts as Lord and King; and living consciously in His ruling presence, we will love one another in our diversity in unity to Your glory. Amen. 2 3 4
John Stott, 114 John Stott, 139 John Stott, 136 – citing Handley C. G. Moule
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July 3 Friday
2015
Unity in the Love of Christ
Scripture Ephesians 3:18-21
Observation What do you observe about the love of Christ in verses 18 to 21?
Deeper Reflection When the Spirit-empowered Church is filled with Christ’s ruling presence, she becomes “rooted and established in love” (Eph 3:1617). “In the new and reconciled humanity which Christ is creating” – the Church, “love is the pre-eminent virtue”5. Paul likens this love to “a well-rooted tree” and “a well-built house”6. Then Paul prays that the Church, in this love marked by “depth as opposed to superficiality”7, “may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (v. 18, NIV). Christ’s love is “‘broad’ enough to encompass all mankind, ‘long’ enough to last for eternity, ‘deep’ enough to reach the most degraded sinner, and ‘high’ enough to exalt Him to heaven”8. And “it needs the whole people of God to understand the whole love of God, all the saints together…with all their varied backgrounds and experiences”9. In loving unity, the Church grasps Christ’s love “which surpasses knowledge” (v. 19a), and in so doing, the Church grows towards being “filled up to all the fullness of God” (v. 19b). We need God’s power, so we must pray and practice the love of Christ.
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Application How do I appreciate and respond to the love of Christ?
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
John Stott, 136 John Stott, 136 John Stott, 136 8 John Stott, 137 9 John Stott, 137 5
6 7
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July 4 Saturday
2015
The Church Maturing onto Trinitarian Fullness
Scripture Ephesians 4:1-16
Observation What does it mean “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” according to verses 1 to 16?
Deeper Reflection The Church is “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:2223), “the Father of glory” (Eph 1:17). Paul prays for the Church that she will ultimately “be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). Having prayed for the Church, Paul urges her to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1, NIV) by growing to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (v. 13, NIV). A vitally important key to this already-and-notyet maturing process is to be continually “filled with the Spirit”10 (Eph 5:18). In Ephesians, the Church is to mature onto Trinitarian fullness. The goal of Christian ministry (vv. 7-12) is maturity, marked by “unity” and “love” (vv. 13, 15, 16). Maturity is “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (vv. 2-3, NRSV). Maturity essentially has to do with character and relationship, as indicated by these vital Christlike traits. How I relate with people shows my character, and my character shapes how I relate with people. Love is both the goal of and the way to maturing in Christ.
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Application How do I see myself maturing in light of what Paul teaches about spiritual maturity in verses 1 to 16?
10
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
The noun “fullness” and the verb “fill” belong to the same word family in Greek.
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July 5 Sunday
2015
Scripture Observation
Application
Prayer
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The Past Week
REVIEW
What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL July 2015 – Week 1
YOU CHOOSE FIRST Choosing what God wants rather than what I want.
Scripture - Genesis 13:1-12; Matthew 6:33 1. Activity Bite Imagine there are two delicious slices of cake to be shared between you and your friend – one bigger than the other. Will you choose the bigger one and let your friend take the smaller one? Imagine your father has two mobile phones to give to you and your sibling – one is a newer model. Will you let your sibling have the first pick? 2. Chat Time Q1: Why is it sometimes more difficult to let the other person be the first to choose? Q2: Is getting the best things (like the latest phone model) always good for you? Q3: From Genesis 13, should Abraham and Lot have chosen the lands on their own or should they have asked God? What have you learned about seeking God for what is best for you? 3. Learning Point Lot chooses the land which he thinks is best for himself. However, in the later chapters of Genesis, he gets himself into real trouble by being among the wicked people of that land. Choosing what you think is best may not be a bad thing but what would be better is to consider what God wants for you. Does He want you to bless others with the better things or take them all for yourself? Seeking God first is always the best. 4. Action Point Think of something that you desire a lot, like the latest smartphone model. Pray and ask God if having that item will do more harm than good. Listen to your parents’ advice as God will speak through them too. 5. Prayer Power (Ask your children to pray after you.) Dear God, thank You for teaching me that not all things I desire will be good for me. Help me to seek You first. I want to choose Your best for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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July 6 Monday
2015
Unexpected Commandment
Scripture Genesis 22:1-2
Observation What do you learn about God and discipleship in verses 1 to 2?
Deeper Reflection “God tested Abraham” (v. 1). As our walk with God deepens, we face greater testing of our faith from God. Abraham began his faith journey with the test of uncertainty: he obeyed God’s call “not knowing where he was going” (Heb 11:8). Then, for 25 years he underwent the test of impossibility: giving birth to God’s promised son in old age (Ge 21:1-7). And now, the test of perplexity: an unexpected divine command to offer his son as a burnt offering (v. 2). God’s will for our lives can be disorientating at times. Here are two questions for reflection. How do we hold our “Isaacs”? A feeling question. Isaac symbolises what we hold dearest in our lives. God knew what Isaac meant to Abraham: “your son, your only son, whom you love” (v. 2). The divine triple emphasis shows God’s understanding and appreciation of Abraham’s feelings. How do we behold our “Isaacs”? A faith question. Abraham must know, and so must we, that “Isaac” is first of all, God’s possession, not ours. “Isaac” is only God’s present to us. “Isaac” is for God’s purposes. It is God’s prerogative to act according to His pleasure. How we behold our “Isaacs” will determine how we hold our “Isaacs”.
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Application What are the “Isaacs” in my life, and how do I behold and hold them?
me. Help me to be willing to do so, for I am willing to be made
Gi vin g
willing. And even should You take
nee d
to You what is most precious to
lf Se
of everything, I struggle to surrender
Tho se in
Leaders
Most High God, Creator and Possessor
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
it away from me, I will bow in worship and say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”11 Amen.
11
Job 1:21
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July 7 Tuesday
2015
Unquestioned Compliance
Scripture Genesis 22:3-10
Observation What do you observe about Abraham’s discipleship in verses 3 to 10?
Deeper Reflection Abraham responded to God’s unexpected commandment with unquestioned compliance in four discipleship movements. “Place” is a key word in Genesis 22, repeated four times: “the place God told him about” (vv. 2-3). Faithfulness Movement: Abraham “rose early in the morning” (v. 3) – prompt obedience. Taking Isaac and split wood, he “arose and went to the place God told him about” (v. 3). Focus Movement: What was Abraham’s dominant thought during the three-day (“On the third day”, v. 4) journey? The “place” to sacrifice Isaac as God told him. Abraham “raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance” (v. 4). Forward Movement: Abraham moved towards “the place”, taking with him “the fire and the knife” with “the wood of the burnt offering laid on Isaac” (v. 6). Father and son “walked on together” (v. 6). Resoluteness in sacrifice. Along the way, Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (v. 7), whereupon Abraham answered, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering” (v. 8). Then, father and son “walked on together” (v. 8). Restedness in sacrifice. Finishing Movement: Then “they reached the place God had told him about, and Abraham built an altar there” (v. 9).
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Application What challenges do I face in walking with God with unquestioned compliance to His Word?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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38 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
July 8 Wednesday
2015
Ultimate Provision
Scripture Genesis 22:10-14
Observation How is the divine name, The LORD Will Provide (Hebrew: Yahweh-jireh), to be understood in the context of verses 10 to 14?
Deeper Reflection Yahweh-jireh, the LORD Will Provide (v. 14), is a favourite name of God of many Christians – because we, almost always, associate this name with God providing our material needs. Such an understanding of God’s name here is at best narrow, at worst self-centred. We must consider the context of the divine name revealed. What led to the divine revelation? Abraham’s submission to God: to a command that was difficult to understand, and not easy to obey (Ge 22:1-9). Abraham’s sacrifice to God: “Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son” (v. 10), albeit God intervened (vv. 11-12a). Abraham’s surrender to God: “you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (v. 12b). The context of “the LORD Will Provide” is highly theocentric. God stopped Abraham from slaying his son – “your son, your only son, whom you love” (vv. 2, 12). But God, out of His love for fallen humankind, slayed “His only begotten Son”, whom He loves (Jn 3:16), to make the ultimate provision for our greatest need: “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29; Ge 22:13). On the cross, in surrender and submission to His Father, the Son of God sacrificed Himself.
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Application What does the divine name, “The LORD Will Provide,” mean to me personally?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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40 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
July 9 Thursday
2015
Unfailing Promises
Scripture Genesis 22:13-19
Observation What do you observe about the promises of God in verses 13 to 19?
Deeper Reflection After the substitutionary sacrifice for Isaac (v. 13), God reiterated His promises to Abraham with the reassurance of fulfillment (vv. 15-18). Let us consider the promise-fulfillment principle given here. Conditions to Promises: The “abundant fulfillment” (“I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply you”, v. 17) “was based on Abraham’s obedience”12 – “because [you] have not withheld your son” (v. 16) and “because you have obeyed My voice” (v. 18). God’s promises in Scripture are given with conditions. Let us not be flippant or presumptuous about God’s promises. Confidence of Fulfillment: In reiterating His promises, God added “By Myself I have sworn” (v. 16): “God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind” (Heb 6:17, NLT). “The reassurance of the promises was given, but only after the sacrifice of the substitute.”13 Paul had Genesis 22 in mind14 when he wrote that if God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, He would certainly, along with Him, give us all things (Ro 8:32). And in our imperfect faithful walk with God, God “remains faithful” (2 Ti 2:13).
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Application What does it mean for me to live my life by the unfailing promises of God?
that it yields seed for the sower
Gi vin g
and bread for the eater, so is Your
lf Se
making it bud and flourish so
nee d
there without watering the earth and
Tho se in
down from heaven, and do not return
Leaders
Faithful God, as the rain and snow come
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Word that goes out from Your mouth; it will not return to You empty, without accomplishing what You desire and Your purposes.15 I hope in Your unfailing Word. Amen.
Allen P. Ross, Creation & Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Baker, 1998, 1996), 401 Allen P. Ross, 401 Allen P. Ross, 402 15 Isaiah 55:10-11 12 13
14
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July 10 Friday
2015
Unwavering Commitment
Scripture Genesis 22:1-2, 5-8, 11-12, 16-19
Observation What do you observe about Abraham’s commitment to God in verses 1 to 2, 5 to 8, 11 to 12 and 16 to 19?
Deeper Reflection Genesis 22 marks a significant high point in Abraham’s spiritual journey and maturity. The story shows five marks of Abraham’s unwavering commitment to God, which reflect how deeply Abraham knew his God. Worship to God: “we will worship” (v. 5). “God does not ask worshipers to give Him that which they do not treasure or that which they no longer care for or need. Rather, God requires that His worshipers offer Him the best that they have.”16 Remember: God has already sacrificed His best for us – His Son. Trust in God: Abraham was confident that he and his son will “return” (v. 5, and see v. 19), and that God would “provide for Himself the lamb” (v. 8). How God would do it, Abraham had no idea. Fear of God (v. 12): “The ‘fear of God’ entails an obedience to God’s revelation of His moral will, whether through conscience or Scripture.”17 Surrender to God: “you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (v. 12, also v. 16). The emphasis is “from Me”. Obedience to God: “you have obeyed My voice” (v. 18). Abraham’s twice “Here I am” (vv. 1, 11) shows his attentiveness and receptiveness to the Word of God (cf. 2 Pe 1:19).
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Application How can I develop an unwavering commitment to God in my life?
Gi vin g
16 17
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
lf Se
arising from your meditation on and
Tho se in
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Allen P. Ross, 402 Bruce K. Waltke, Genesis: A Commentary (Zondervan, 2001), 308
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July 11 Saturday
2015
Unique Calling
Scripture Genesis 22:20-24
Observation What significance does the brief narrative in verses 20 to 24 have?
Deeper Reflection Verses 20 to 24 begin with: “Now it came about after these things [Ge 22:1-19], that it was told Abraham” (v. 20a). Abraham received some news about his brother and his wife: “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor” (v. 20b). A key idea here is bearing children: “Milcah has borne children” (v. 20), “Milcah bore” (v. 23), Nahor’s concubine, “Reumah, also bore” (v. 24). The narrator is comparing Abraham to Nahor regarding bearing children. We need to link verses 20 to 24 back to Genesis 11:29-30: Nahor married Milcah, and Abraham married Sarai; but “Sarai was barren; she had no child”. Now Abraham had only one son – in God’s covenant purpose for him (Ge 22:2, 12, 16), but Nahor already had “eight” sons through Milcah (vv. 20-22, 23b). In fact, Nahor was already a grandfather (v. 21b), and Isaac was still unmarried. How slow things were going for Abraham! But it was God’s unique calling for Abraham. It is easy for us to compare with others, seeing that they are “better” in life than us. We need to recognise God’s unique calling upon each of us individually. Then, we celebrate in God, and not compare with others.
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Application What do I recognise as God’s unique calling for me?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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46 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
July 12 Sunday
2015
Scripture Observation
Application
Prayer
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The Past Week
REVIEW
What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL July 2015 – Week 2
IT’S SO DIFFICULT Sometimes God will ask us to do difficult things.
Scripture - Genesis 22:1-18; Romans 8:28 1. Activity Bite Reflect on this question – what is the hardest thing for you to give up? It can be a toy, a pet, a hobby or even food. Share why it is so difficult to give it up. 2. Chat Time Q1: What is stopping you from giving up the thing that you treasure most? Q2: Is it easy for you to trust and obey your parents when they say, “It is for your own good”? Q3: Will you be able to trust God fully if you know that He can’t fail and whatever He does is for your good? 3. Learning Point God knows the conditions of our hearts. He knows how much you love and trust Him, but once in a while He will test you by asking you to do something difficult. This test is not to make you fail or find fault with you, but to reveal how much you need to depend on Him. Through such times of testing you can actually grow stronger in faith with His help. He does this because He cares for you. Abraham’s faith in God was tested and when proven true, God blessed him and the world through him. 4. Action Point Romans 8:28 tells us that God can turn bad situations into something good for you. Think of a difficulty you are facing. Surrender it to God in prayer and watch how He transforms it into something good. 5. Prayer Power (Ask your children to pray after you.) Thank You, Jesus, for the testing because I can grow stronger in faith. Give me Your joy and help me give thanks to You in difficult moments. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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July 13 Monday
2015
Reflection on Death
Scripture Genesis 23:1-20
Observation How many times is the death of Sarah referred to in Genesis 23 and what is its significance in the story?
Deeper Reflection “Sarah’s death is the central theme”18 of Genesis 23, with the words “died” and “dead” repeated nine times altogether. Facing Death: While death is expected, it comes unannounced. When and how we will die we can never know. In some ways we can prevent dying early, like living healthily; but ultimately we can’t prevent death. Unhealthy people can live longer than healthy ones. And we cannot judge any death as timely or untimely. Scripture teaches us that our bodies are decaying and dying, but our primary concern must be that our inner being is renewed day by day in walking with God (2 Co 4:16). Finishing Well? Sarah was a woman with a God-given destiny. But did she finish well? She wasn’t described as “died in ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life” like Abraham was (Ge 25:8, NLT). She was Abraham’s “true and loyal wife”, but “not quite of his own spiritual stature”19. Genesis is silent as to whether Sarah finished well or not. In any case, who defines “finishing well”? God, of course! When we die, we or others may think we have finished well, but in ultimate reality, it may not be true. Theologically, finishing well lies in another ultimate reality: our hearts – which God alone sees perfectly.
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Application How do I look at my own death which will eventually happen one day?
experience the freedom of the
Gi vin g
children of God. I will lay aside my
lf Se
want to bathe in innocence and
nee d
weary of the inconsequential. Then I
Tho se in
stand in Your presence, tired of wandering,
Leaders
One day, Lord, I will be with You. I will
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
failures like old clothing. Then I will know what holiness is; to be chosen, to be near You, and to survive the fire of Your purity. (Ulrich Schaffer)
18 19
Allen P. Ross, 410 W. H. Griffith Thomas, The Pentateuch: Chapter by Chapter (Kregel, 1985), 50
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July 14 Tuesday
2015
Beyond My Lifetime
Scripture Genesis 23:1-2; Hebrews 11:11-16
Observation How is Sarah’s death in verses 1 to 2 linked with Hebrews 11:11-16?
Deeper Reflection While lying on her deathbed, Sarah might have felt that something was incomplete in her life. How she must have wished to see her son, Isaac, married and meet her grandchildren. This feeling of being incomplete was perhaps made more pronounced when she thought of Nahor and his wife having eight sons and who were already grandparents (Ge 22:20-24). She might have asked, “If God has promised me and Abraham numerous descendants, why didn’t He give me a chance to see my grandchildren?” God Almighty could have (cf. Ge 17:1), but He didn’t. Here we learn something about God. God has said, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38). Part of this is “you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Heb 10:36). However, “live by faith” includes “died in faith” and “without receiving the promises” (Heb 11:13). The “died in faith” refers to the patriarchs, and particularly to Sarah (Heb 11:11-12). God’s purposes for each of our lives are fulfilled not just in our lifetime, but also beyond our lifetime. So also are God’s promises and our prayers. This is why God revealed Himself to Abraham as “the Everlasting God” (Ge 21:33).
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Application What does it mean to me personally that there is a possibility of God fulfilling His purposes for my life beyond my lifetime?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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54 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
July 15 Wednesday
2015
Relating with the World
Scripture Genesis 23:3-9
Observation What do you observe about Abraham’s posture when he approached the Hittites to buy a burial site to bury Sarah in verses 3 to 9?
Deeper Reflection God called Abraham to be a blessing to the nations (Ge 12:3; 18:18; 22:18). With this mind, Abraham’s negotiation with the Hittites in purchasing a burial site for Sarah in Genesis 23 offers an example upon which we can reflect on how we ourselves relate with the world. Honoured by the world: The Hittites viewed Abraham as “a mighty prince” (v. 6), or “a prince of God” (ESV, NJB), in their midst. Abraham, a landless alien (v. 4), “put himself at the bottom of the social ladder, and they put him at the top”20. However, in biblical discipleship, Jesus’ followers may be dishonoured for His name’s sake (Mt 5:10-11). Humble before the world: Abraham “rose and bowed to the people of the land” (v. 7, also v. 12). It was an expression of “polite humility”21 – “an exceptional action for one who has just been addressed as ‘mighty prince.’ His bow signifies gratitude and dependence on their favour.”22 Honourable before the world: “Give me the cave…for the full price” (v. 9). “Although God had promised him the land, he would not be unjust to the existing owner.”23 We are to live honourably in the ways of the world: “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; revenue to whom revenue; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Ro 13:7).
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Application How will I relate with the world around me in humble and honourable ways?
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
E. F. Roop, Genesis (Herald, 1987), 154 Allen P. Ross, 409 22 Bruce K. Waltke, 318 23 W. H. Griffith Thomas, 50 20 21
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July 16 Thursday
2015
No Turning Back
Scripture Genesis 23:1-20
Observation How many times is the burial of Sarah referred to in Genesis 23 and what is its significance in the story?
Deeper Reflection The verb “bury” and the noun “burial site” are altogether repeated 13 times in Genesis 23. When Sarah died, Abraham sought to do two things: to bury Sarah in Canaan, and to buy a burial site there. Genesis 23 begins with “Sarah died…in the land of Canaan” (v. 2), which led to Abraham burying her there, and ends with “Abraham buried Sarah…in the land of Canaan” (v. 19) after he had bought the burial site. What Abraham did was significant because “burial was usually in one’s native land”24, but now, he had made Canaan his “ancestral home”25. There would be “no going back to Haran”26. The Hittites were willing to give Abraham the “choicest” tomb (v. 6), but Abraham wanted “to purchase a permanent site for his descendants to anchor their identification with the Promised Land”27. The cave in the field of Machpelah (vv. 9, 17, 19) would be the burial site of Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah and Jacob (Ge 49:29-32). “No turning back” in following Jesus is a decisive act. But the harder one is the daily “no turning back”. For just like Abraham, we always “have the opportunity to return” to our Haran (Heb 11:15).
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Application What can possibly keep me from having a “no turning back� spirit in following Jesus?
steadily and bravely as I can in the direction You have sent me. Stay with me when I am swamped by
Gi vin g
nee d
impetuous, but I am trying to pull as
lf Se
when I am most exuberant and most
Tho se in
Leaders
Lord, I know that I am not at my best
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
weariness and seeming impossibilities. Turn my face gently towards You, keep my heart loving and my will determined to fight on to the end.28
Allen P. Ross, 411 Allen P. Ross, 411 Allen P. Ross, 411 27 Bruce K. Waltke, 316 28 Based on a meditation by Mother Janet Stuart (1857-1914), Angela Ashwin, The Book of A Thousand Prayers (Zondervan, 1996, 2002), 100-101 24 25
26
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July 17 Friday
2015
Paying a Price
Scripture Genesis 23:8-16
Observation What is the significance of Abraham paying a very high price (four hundred shekels of silver, or about 4.6 kilograms, v. 15) to purchase a burial site in Canaan?
Deeper Reflection Abraham paid “the full price” (Ge 23:9) “for an irrevocable sale”29 of the burial site for Sarah. “Four hundred shekels of silver” (v. 14) was “about 4.6 kilograms”30. It was “beyond a fair price”31, and “seems high when compared with David’s purchase of the temple site for fifty shekels (2 Sa 24:24).”32 But there is never too great a price to pay to follow Jesus. In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about “cheap grace” and “costly grace”. We must first recognise costly grace. Grace is what God has done for us and given to us – something that we do not deserve at all. Grace “is costly because it cost God the life of His Son: ‘you were bought at a price’33, and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon His Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered Him for us”34. We are redeemed to follow Jesus: this itself is grace. Discipleship is grace, because it is redemptive. But we can live our redeemed life treating costly grace as cheap grace. “Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”35
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Application What does it mean to me personally to pay a price to follow Jesus?
Prayer
lf Se
Gi vin g
Tho se in nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Significant people
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 319 Genesis 23:15 (NIV, footnote) Bruce K. Waltke, 321 32 Bruce K. Waltke, 320 33 1 Corinthians 6:20 34 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship (Touchstone, Simon & Schuster, 1995), 45 35 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 45 29
30 31
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July 18 Saturday
2015
“Sojourners with Me”
Scripture Genesis 23:1-4, 17-20; Leviticus 25:23
Observation What does being “a stranger and a sojourner” in the Promised Land mean (vv. 1-4, 17-20; Lev 25:23)?
Deeper Reflection Abraham was “a stranger and a sojourner” in the Promised Land (Ge 23:4), a “resident alien” who owned “no land and ordinarily is not entitled to buy land”36. Thus, Abraham, humbly seeking the Hittites’ favour, bought a burial site to bury Sarah. The burial site was not for residence, but for rooting in God’s purposes and promises. Purchasing and possessing the burial site (vv. 17-20) was a demonstration of commitment to God’s purposes and confidence in God’s promises. Abraham would remain “a stranger and a sojourner” in the Promised Land, “looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb 11:9-10), “the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb 12:22). God said to Israel, poised to possess the Promised Land: “the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me” (Lev 25:23). When ruling Israel, David acknowledged before God: “we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers are” (1 Ch 29:15). And now, we are to live as “aliens and strangers” on earth (1 Pe 1:1, 17; 2:11), looking at life and living life with eschatological and eternal perspectives (2 Co 4:16-18), going easy on earthly things that are passing away (1 Co 7:29-31).
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Application How am I to live as a stranger and sojourner on this earth?
36
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 317
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July 19 Sunday
2015
Scripture Observation
Application
Prayer
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The Past Week
REVIEW
What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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64 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL JULY 2015
REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL July 2015 – Week 3
EVERY GOOD GIFT Why can’t I have everything I want?
Scripture - Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 1. Activity Bite Imagine that your birthday is coming. Make a list of all the birthday presents that you would like your parents to buy for you. Show the list to your parents and ask if they will buy everything on it. 2. Chat Time Q1: Which items did your parents refuse to buy for you? Q2: Ask your parents to give reasons for not buying them. Are you able to accept their explanations? If no, why? Q3: What would you let a baby drink – a bottle of gassy cola or milk? Explain your answer. 3. Learning Point The world is filled with many exciting toys and things to enjoy but not all things are good for you even though they are not meant for evil. There is nothing evil about playing computer games or watching TV but if you do these for too many hours without stopping, they will affect your studies, your rest or your eyesight. Then it becomes unhealthy and your parents will limit how much you enjoy them. God knows a lot more about what is good or bad for you. Thus it is good to trust Him rather than complain about the things you can’t have. 4. Action Point Make a list of good things you already have – comics, school books, past birthday toys, a nice bed and more – and thank God for every one of them as they are good gifts from Him. 5. Prayer Power (Ask your children to pray after you.) Dear God, I am sorry for complaining about the things I can’t have. Instead, I want to thank You for the things I already have because they are good gifts from You. Amen.
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July 20 Monday
2015
God Will Guide
Scripture Genesis 24:1-67
Observation What are the recurring words and ideas in Genesis 24 that show the motif of divine guidance in the story?
Deeper Reflection Genesis 24 may be summarised as: God guided Abraham’s servant to succeed in getting a bride for Isaac so as to fulfil His covenant with Abraham. The idea of divine guidance is shaped by four Hebrew key words, with God as the subject, repeated nine times altogether: “success” (v. 12), “appointed” (vv. 14, 44), “successful” or “prospered” (vv. 21, 40, 42, 56) and “guided” (vv. 27, 48). The “romantic tale”37 is told in four progressive settings. Assignment (vv. 1-9): Abraham assigned his servant to take a wife for Isaac. Appointment (vv. 10-27): God guided the servant to the woman He had “appointed” for Isaac (v. 14). Affirmation (vv. 28-61): Rebekah’s family affirmed that “the matter comes from the LORD” (v. 50). Accomplishment (vv. 62-67): Rebekah became Isaac’s wife. The story “gives living form to the charge ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths’ (Pr 3:5-6)”38. God will guide us, if we want Him to. But ironically, oftentimes there is a fear in us when we seek God’s guidance: What if God leads me to something I don’t like? The root problem here is we do not know God. When we know God, we can trust Him when He leads us in such a manner.
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Application How would I respond if God leads me to something I don’t like?
my understanding. Give me faith to see Your guiding hand in all things; that being neither lifted up
Gi vin g
nee d
through victory and defeat, beyond
lf Se
not know, through joy and sorrow,
Tho se in
Leaders
Lord, You lead me by ways I do
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
by seeming success, nor cast down by seeming failure, I may press forward wherever You lead, to the glory of Your name.39 Amen.
37 37 37
Bruce K. Waltke, 323 Derek Kidner, Genesis, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1976), 146 Adapted from a prayer of Eric Milner-White (1884-1963) and G. W. Briggs (1875-1959)
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July 21 Tuesday
2015
Know Your God
Scripture Genesis 24:1-9, 33-41
Observation What do you observe about Abraham and his God in verses 1 to 9 and 33 to 41?
Deeper Reflection Verses 1 to 9 and 33 to 41 portray an aged godly man who knew his God deeply. Abraham’s closeness to God: This is reflected in God “has greatly blessed” (v. 35) Abraham “in every way” (v. 1). It was in knowing God personally as “the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth” that Abraham sent his servant to get a bride for Isaac (v. 3). Abraham’s commitment to God: “The LORD before whom I have walked” (v. 40). Abraham lived his life by God’s call and by God’s Word: “The LORD…who took me…who spoke to me…swore to me” (v. 7). Abraham’s choices before God: Abraham single-mindedly aligned his life to God’s purposes with regard to the land (Genesis 23) and the seed (Genesis 24). He made it very clear to his servant that the mate must not be from Canaan (vv. 3-4) and the marriage must be in Canaan (vv. 5-8). To Abraham, marriage must serve God’s purposes (v. 7). The matter was serious enough for Abraham to make his servant swear to ensure that he did as instructed (vv. 2, 9). Abraham’s confidence in God: “He will send His angel before you” (v. 7) “to make your journey successful” (v. 40). Is how you live determined by knowing God?
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Application To what extent is the way I live my life determined by knowing God?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
from your meditation on and application
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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July 22 Wednesday
2015
The Covenant God
Scripture Genesis 24:12, 27, 42, 48
Observation What do you observe about Abraham and his God in Abraham’s servant’s words in verses 12, 27, 42 and 48?
Deeper Reflection The expression “the LORD, the God of my master Abraham” is repeated four times in Abraham’s servant’s speech (vv. 12, 27, 42, 48). It stresses God’s covenant with Abraham in covenant relationship and under covenant lordship. Covenant lordship is at the heart of covenant relationship. Fundamental in covenant relationship is mutual covenant loyalty. On God’s part, His covenant loyalty is His “steadfast love” – repeated three times in Genesis 24 (vv. 12, 14, 27). The Hebrew word for “steadfast love” “entails loyalty to a covenant relationship. The inferior partner depends on the kindness of the superior to meet desperate need. God’s reliable kindness to His needy people is the basis of the covenant relationship.”40 God “in overflowing anger” forsook His people for their covenant unfaithfulness, hiding His face from them – but only “for a brief moment” (Isa 54:7-8a). With “everlasting steadfast love”, God “will have compassion” on them (Isa 54:8b), because “the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but My steadfast love shall not depart from you, and My covenant of peace shall not be removed” (Isa 54:10, ESV). This is our covenant God who has redeemed us through “My blood of the covenant” (Mk 14:24; Eph 1:7).
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Application How do I relate with God as the covenant God?
40
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
from your meditation on and application
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 328
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July 23 Thursday
2015
Seeking God’s Guidance (1)
Scripture Genesis 24:10-14, 42-44
Observation How did Abraham’s servant seek God’s guidance in his mission (vv. 10-14, 42-44)?
Deeper Reflection Genesis 24 presents a model for seeking God’s guidance. We begin with principles: the fundamentals in our relationship with God given in Scripture. For Abraham, it was God’s call and God’s Word to him (v. 7) which determined that in looking for a bride for Isaac, the mate must not be from Canaan, but the marriage must be in Canaan (vv. 3-6). Acting on this principle, Abraham was confident that God would guide his servant (v. 7b). Divine guidance began when “he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor” (v. 10; see v. 4) and reached “the well of water at evening, the time when women go out to draw water” (v. 11). Next is prayer. The servant’s prayer was anchored in God’s covenant with Abraham – a fundamental: “O LORD, God of my master Abraham…show steadfast love to my master” (v. 12, ESV). He asked God for a sign: the girl he would ask a drink from would not just offer him a drink but water his camels as well (vv. 13-14). The servant was very intentional in asking God for this specific sign. It was to be “a shrewd character test”41. The bride for Isaac must be a woman of virtue.
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Application How do I go about seeking God’s guidance in my life?
heart of the matter, and when I face conflict, do not let my own panic
Gi vin g
lf Se
make decisions, lead me to the
nee d
jigsaw of life in Your kingdom. When I
Tho se in
way, and help me to piece together the
Leaders
Jesus my Teacher, guide me along Your
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
drown out the still, small voice of Your wisdom.42 Amen.
41 42
Bruce K. Waltke, 328 – citing N. Steinberg Angela Ashwin, 63
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July 24 Friday
2015
Seeking God’s Guidance (2)
Scripture Genesis 24:15-27, 45-52
Observation How did God guide Abraham’s servant in his mission of getting a bride for Isaac in verses 15 to 27 and 45 to 52?
Deeper Reflection God answered Abraham’s servant’s prayer even “before he had finished speaking” to Him: “It came about…behold, Rebekah…came out” (v. 15). It wasn’t coincidence. It was providence. “Timing is crucial in providence.”43 God’s providence “includes the ordinary and the extraordinary”44. In this case, it was the ordinary. Rebekah fit the sign the servant had asked from God (vv. 17-21). “Hospitality is the determinant, over and above beauty and virginity (v. 16).”45 Since each camel could drink 95 litres of water, “the servant is sagacious; it is a test of the woman’s kindness, hospitality, industry and willingness to help a stranger”46. It was “a stiff test…since it would require far more than common civility to volunteer to water ‘ten’ thirsty camels”47 – 950 litres of water! Imagine how many trips to and from the well Rebekah had to make! The servant discerned it was God’s leading when he learned that Rebekah was Bethuel’s daughter – Abraham’s grandniece (vv. 22-27; see v. 4). When the servant reported to Rebekah’s family how God had guided him to Rebekah, they affirmed that the matter came “from the LORD” (v. 50). In providence God “has spoken” (v. 51).
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Application What has my experience of divine providence in my life been like?
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 328 Bruce K. Waltke, 328 Bruce K. Waltke, 328 46 Bruce K. Waltke, 328 47 Bruce K. Waltke, 328 – citing N. Steinberg 43
44 45
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July 25 Saturday
2015
The SovereigntyResponsibility Tension
Scripture Genesis 24:7-8, 40-41, 48-61
Observation What do you observe about the human elements involved in God guiding Abraham’s servant in his mission in verses 7 to 8, 40 to 41 and 48 to 61?
Deeper Reflection Genesis 24 shows the tension between divine direction (sovereignty) and human decision (responsibility): Abraham’s certainty of God making his servant’s journey successful and the possibility of “failure”. “He will send His angel before you” (v. 7) is followed immediately by “But if the woman is not willing to follow you” (v. 8; see also verses 40-41). There was an openness to Rebekah’s family’s decision to let her leave their homeland to go to a land far, far away: “So now if you are going to…and if not…” (v. 49), the possibility of “if they do not give her to you” (v. 41). And there was also a place for consulting Rebekah’s wishes: “Will you go with this man?” (vv. 57-58). D. A. Carson said: “The sovereigntyresponsibility tension is almost impossibly broad48… The sovereignty-responsibility tension is not a problem to be solved; rather, it is a framework to be explored.49” In practical outworking, our human decision must be anchored on our commitment to God; and then, we have confidence in the divine direction according to His sovereign wisdom and freedom. In Genesis 24, providence (vv. 15-25) is enveloped by prayer (vv. 12-14) and praise (vv. 26-27).
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Application How do I live in the tension of divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
48 49
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
D. A. Carson, Divine Sovereignty & Human Responsibility (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 1994), 1 D. A. Carson, 2
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July 26 Sunday
2015
Scripture Observation
Application
Prayer
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The Past Week
REVIEW
What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL July 2015 – Week 4
JUST DO IT? When others do wrong, I won’t.
Scripture - Genesis 3:10-13 1. Activity Bite Place some grapes or longans (or any small fruits) on a plate. Randomly choose one. Take a good look and try to recognise every feature on it. After that, put it back with the other fruits and mix them up. Now try to identify the one you picked. 2. Chat Time Q1: How are you different from your classmates in terms of personality? Q2: Have you ever felt left out by your friends just because you didn’t join them in doing wrong things? Q3: What makes you different from others when it comes to doing what is right or wrong? 3. Learning Point You might have heard your friends say, “Never mind. Let’s do it! No one will know.” Deep in your heart you know it’s wrong but maybe you ended up doing it because you didn’t want your friends to say that you were weird. Often, choosing to be different can be difficult . Adam could have said “no” but he gave in to the temptation when the serpent said, “It’s okay. It’s just one bite!” The consequences were horrifying – sin came into the world. When you say “no” to sin, you are standing up for what is right and this honours God. 4. Action Point Do a roleplay with a friend. Have him or her tell you to do something that is not right (for example, lying about spending your pocket money on toys instead of food). Reply by saying, “No, I will not _____________________.” 5. Prayer Power (Ask your children to pray after you.) Dear God, thank You for teaching me about doing what is right. Help me to stand up for the truth every time and not give in to temptation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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July 27 Monday
2015
God is Faithful: Father of Many Nations
Scripture Genesis 25:1-4
Observation What is the significance of verses 1 to 4 in light of Genesis 17:4-5?
Deeper Reflection Genesis 25:1-11 “may best be used as a summary for the Abraham narratives”50. The theological theme here is: God is faithful. Abraham “took another wife51…Keturah” (v. 1) “after the death of Sarah”52 (Genesis 23; 24:67). Verses 1 to 4 portray “a complete rejuvenation of the old man of the previous narratives”53, blessed with many offspring: 16 descendants of sons, grandsons and greatgrandsons, out of which nations were formed. Abraham fathered these sons after 140 years of age. Here we see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham: “I will make you the father of a multitude of nations” (Ge 17:4-5). “The picture of Abraham as the father of nations is thus enlarged and defined.”54 God’s faithfulness is shown with His sovereign freedom. “For the first time Abraham had more than one child by the same wife or the same surrogate wife. Fertility, one of God’s choicest blessings to His own, is minimally manifested with Sarah and Hagar, but maximally manifested in the life and womb of the relatively obscure Keturah.”55 Who, what and how God blesses is His to decide.
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Application What is the track record of God’s faithfulness in my life?
Name for Your unfailing love; and at night, Your faithfulness that endures forever. How great are
Gi vin g
nee d
Most High! In the morning, I bless Your
lf Se
and to sing praises to Your name, O
Tho se in
Leaders
It is good to give You thanks, O Lord,
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep. You are my Rock, O upright God, in whom there is no unrighteousness.56 Amen.
Allen P. Ross, 425 Gordon J. Wenham’s translation: “Abraham married again,” Genesis 16-50, Word Biblical Commentary (Word Books, 1994), Vol. 2, 155 52 John H. Sailhamer, Genesis, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), Vol. 2, 179; Allen P. Ross, 426 53 John H. Sailhamer, Vol. 179 54 Joyce G. Baldwin, The Message of Genesis 12-50, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1986), 103 55 Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis Chapters 18-50, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 1995), 165 56 Psalm 92:1-2, 5, 15 50 51
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July 28 Tuesday
2015
God is Faithful: Alignment to God’s Purposes
Scripture Genesis 25:5-6
Observation Why did Abraham do what he did in verses 5 to 6, in the context of Genesis?
Deeper Reflection Before his death, Abraham “gave all that he had to Isaac; but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts…and sent them away from his son Isaac” (vv. 5-6). Every act of Abraham was done in alignment to God’s purposes: “through Isaac your descendants shall be named” (Ge 21:12) towards “through your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Ge 22:18, NIV). Living in alignment to God’s purposes involves the present and the future. Present: What I must do. Sending away his other sons might not have been easy for Abraham, as seen in his great distress in sending away Ishmael and his mother (Ge 21:10-11). But now, he did what he had to do to “secure Isaac’s inheritance in the land”57. Living in alignment to God’s purposes may mean making hard decisions and taking difficult actions, which may have implications on our future. Future: God will take care. “In God’s plan, these sons were sent away that there might be a true home, in the end, to return to”58. Long after Abraham’s death, God spoke to Israel in exile: “Nations will come to your light” (Isa 60:3), which include “Midian and Ephah” and “Sheba” (Isa 60:6 with Ge 25:3, 4). We don’t know our future. But the faithful God holds our future.
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Application What does it mean for me to live my life in alignment with God’s purposes?
57 58
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
from your meditation on and application
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 338 Derek Kidner, 150
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July 29 Wednesday
2015
God is Faithful: “Died In…Old Age”
Scripture Genesis 25:7 with Genesis 15:15
Observation What do you observe about God when you compare verse 7 with Genesis 15:15?
Deeper Reflection Abraham lived 175 years (v. 7). The faithful God kept His promise: “you shall be buried at…old age” (Ge 15:15). Abraham lived 100 years in the Promised Land (see Ge 12:4). He was 100 when Isaac was born, and Isaac was 60 when Esau and Jacob were born (Ge 25:26); thus, Abraham lived to see his grandsons for 15 years. However, Sarah was not given this privilege. She did not even live to see her son get married (Ge 24:67). Longevity is a gift, not a goal, of God for His people. God’s people died in manifold ways. Perhaps, the ideal is to die in old age. The great prophet Elisha “had been suffering from the illness from which he died” (2 Ki 13:14, NIV). When John the Baptist had completed his mission as the Messiah’s forerunner, he was thrown into prison, “wasting away” his remaining days (Mk 1:14), and only to be beheaded because of a wicked woman who disliked him (Mk 6:17-28). The Son of God died an unjust brutal death in His early thirties. What is most important is this: however long we will live, in whatever way we will die, God is still the same faithful God whom, by His grace, we follow faithfully until death (Rev 2:10).
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Application How do I view my own death?
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lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
from your meditation on and application
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
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July 30 Thursday
2015
God is Faithful: Die A Good Death
Scripture Genesis 25:8-10
Observation What does it mean that Abraham died at a “good” old age in verse 8?
Deeper Reflection Abraham “died at a good old age” (v. 8, NIV). The word to focus on is “good” – also translated as “satisfied” (NASB) or “full of years” (ESV). It means that when Abraham died, he had “enjoyed both abundant quantity and quality of life”59 with “a good conscience and a serene and tranquil mind”60. Here we see again God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise to Abraham: “you shall be buried at a good old age” (Ge 15:15). The three pairs of contrasting key terms in Genesis – blessing and curse, good and evil, life and death – are given a redemptive twist in Abraham’s death. Death is the result of sin (Ge 2:17; cf. Ro 6:23). But Abraham’s death was associated with “good”, not evil. And the “life” that he “lived” was a full 175 years. And when Abraham was “old and advance in age” facing imminent death, “the LORD had blessed Abraham in everything” (Ge 24:1). Abraham died with “good” and “blessing” from God. Ecclesiastes 12:1 describes old age as “the evil days” or “the days of troubles” (NIV). However, Abraham’s “good” death “shows that this truth can be qualified”61. In Christ, we can die a good death, and “to die is gain” (Php 1:21).
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Application What does it mean for me to die a good death when I die?
I may live a life worthy of You and please You in every way: bearing
Gi vin g
fruit in every good work, growing
nee d
understanding Your Spirit gives, so that
lf Se
Your will through all the wisdom and
Tho se in
Leaders
Lord, fill me with the knowledge of
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
to know You more, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that I may have great endurance and patience, giving You thanks joyfully.62 Amen.
Bruce K. Waltke, 340 D. Stuart Briscoe, Genesis, The Preacher’s Commentary (Nelson, 1987), 205 – citing John Calvin Bruce K. Waltke, 341 62 Colossians 1:9-12 59
60 61
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July 31 Friday
2015
God is Faithful: Human Discontinuity, Divine Continuity
Scripture Genesis 25:11
Observation What does verse 11 tell us about God and human death?
Deeper Reflection “After the death of Abraham…God blessed his son Isaac” (v. 11). These words underscore an important theological point: divine continuity in human discontinuity – “God’s continued presence with the next generation.”63 “The death of Abraham made no difference to the faithfulness of God to His promises.”64 The work of God to bless the world continues from generation to generation as “God blessed his son Isaac” indicates. “No one is indispensable in God’s programme. Good people die, others take up the task to continue God’s programme.”65 Joshua died without a successor to lead Israel to continue possessing the Promised Land (Jdg 1:1 contrasts Jos 1:1). He left behind an Israel ruled by judges for about 350 years in a state of “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jdg 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). But it was “in the days when the judges governed” (Ru 1:1) that God slowly and silently began the process of raising up a man after His own heart to be king of Israel: David (Ru 4:18-22; 1 Sa 13:14). The Everlasting God (Ge 21:33) “has the last word”66.
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Application How does the theology of divine continuity in human discontinuity, as shown in verse 11, shape how I look at and live life?
lf Se
Gi vin g
nee d
application of the Scriptures.
Tho se in
arising from your meditation on and
Leaders
Write a prayer to God as your response
Significant people
Prayer
th an ks
Bruce K. Waltke, 340 W. H. Griffith Thomas, 52 Allen P. Ross, 426 66 Bruce K. Waltke, 341 63
64 65
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